Some Ferguson businesses being forced to board up

FERGUSON, Mo. (KMOV.com) – Some business owners in Ferguson are being forced to board up by their landlords.

Tony Henley, the owner of the Prime Time Barbershop, does not think business should be forced to board up. He said the owner of the strip mall where the barbershop is located is ordering him to do so.

“It sends the wrong message to the community,” Henley said.

Henley said even though surrounding businesses were vandalized and looted, his business was not.

“Looks like we are preparing for war, preparing for something to go wrong and that we do not trust the community, that we are afraid of the community,” Henley said.

Henley, who has been cutting hair in Ferguson for almost 20 years, said he trusts and supports his neighbors. However, he said he cannot do afford to make repairs if the barbershop is damaged. He also fears insurance will not pay if he does not board up.